Nadal CAN NOT Repeat as Wimbledon Champ.

It can't happen and it won't happen. Nadal's legs are breaking down and he simply needs a rest. If he can't dominate on the red clay of Paris, there is no way he can win 7 straight on the green grass of Wimbledon. Besides, he just lost to Leyton Hewitt! 6-4,6-3. Uncle Tony thinks Rafa should hop on a plane and head back home. i.e SKIP WIMBLEDON. Exact quote: "If it's me, I'm (flying) to Mallorca."

You might say, hey Mark, you're stating the obvious. And maybe I am, but here is the real question: Is Nadal done? I mean is Nadal done with number one, done ruling the clay - has he lost his edge. HE LOST TO HEWITT!
:-)

I think he should take 3 months or so off--its just tendinitis, that kind of thing will go away with rest. I call Fed to sweep the next three slams. Just 2 months ago everyone was saying Fed is done, Nadal is the new king, Vamos raging bull and all that shit. Now Nadal is out, Fed won the french, and everything has changed. Thats what I like about Tennis--so unpredictable.

No no, I agree with your statement Mayor, however consider the following:

(Quckly on Tendonitis of the knee) -
- Knee tendonitis refers to the inflamation, swelling and irritation of tendons in the knee area. Though knee tendonitis often goes untreated, it's actually the most common form of knee injury.
-The treatment of the condition involves rest, isolation and slowly easing back into activity.

How does this affect Nadal and how should he "manage" his career?
He should be NOT be playing exhibitions and any tournaments that truly don't further his career while tendonitis is in the background. Playing the exhibition last week was a bad decision. Since this came into light last year (really), he has done nothing to limit his schedule and eliminate non-essential tournament playing time (and non-ATP sanctioned events)...All while complaining that his body was breaking down.

The result? A poorly timed withdrawal at the biggest and most important tennis tournament in the world.

This could have been avoided with better tournament/exhibition management.
This isn't a torn ACL...It's Tendonitis.

Nice post Mr.Mayor!
Nadal's game is brash and will shorten his career for certain. However, I'm thoroughly disapointed in this decision to not defend his title.

He notes not 100%, he notes however that his knees are better than 2 weeks ago. Nadal also notes that "it's not terrible" (or something to that effect)...He also notes that if he feels he can't win, he won't play. See Chariots of Fire - "If I can't win, I won't run"...Response "If you don't run...You CANT WIN".

Knee injuries ultimately ended my competitive playing so I know all about playing through bad knees...But assuming anything better than 50% for Nadal (I'm assuming he's 70-80%)...He better damn well get out there and attempt to defend the title of the biggest tennis title in the world.